Çobanoğlu: ‘We Are Speechless in the Face of This Atrocity—Humanity Is Ashamed’

In her written statement, Çobanoğlu highlighted that the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute discovered that at least 14 donkeys had been shot at close range and killed during fieldwork in Karpaz. She emphasized the tragic aspect of the massacre, noting that a pregnant donkey, attempting to give birth, was killed alongside her newborn, which further magnified the brutality of the event.

"Such cruelty is unbearable. We are left speechless in the face of this atrocity, humanity is ashamed. There are killers armed with hunting rifles," Çobanoğlu said, calling for the perpetrators to be found and punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Çobanoğlu also pointed out that Karpaz is a special region, designated as one of the most significant Natura 2000 areas in the Mediterranean, and it is classified as an Special Environmental Protection Area. Despite this, she criticized the fact that the region’s symbolic Karpaz donkeys have not been adequately protected.

She urged for a management plan for the Karpaz ÖÇKB, focusing on animal welfare and the protection of the region’s donkeys, suggesting that the donkeys should remain in a designated area. Çobanoğlu also stressed the need for the security of the agricultural lands and roads in the area to be ensured. Despite the fact that the same political party and individuals have been managing the relevant ministries and the Environmental Protection Department for years, she stated that they have failed to produce consistent, rational solutions.